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November 22, 2016

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HomeDistrictMinhang

Organic gardening is looking up

A rooftop vegetable farm in Minhang was recently selected as one of the “Best 100 City Space Designs” in an exhibition held by Shanghai government.

On the roof of CapitaLand Mall in Qibao Town, a veg­etable farm called V-Roof, is proving both practical and eye-pleasing.

It operates on natural rainwater and solar energy, making it part of the city’s green solutions policies.

The 3,000-square-meter V-Roof comprises six areas, including planting zones, a children’s playground and an educational area.

Soilless cultivation is widely used on the rooftop so that it wouldn’t cause weight burden to the whole building.

People can learn to grow vegetables, buy the freshest organic products produced in the garden, or just sit on a swing, having a cup of coffee and enjoying the clean air.

Having been open for about three years, it has become one of the most popular weekend venues for Qibao local people.

“I believe it kills several birds with one stone to build such a rooftop garden,” said Huang Ke, developer of the garden. “Apart from environ­ment protection and energy saving significances, it also provides an escape for city people.”

Huang said in Minhang, as well as in the whole city, has plenty of “idle spaces” to cre­ate V-Roof like gardens.

The Minhang District Urban Planning Bureau said V-Roof is a successful example of a “sponge city.” Utilizing vertical spaces, such as roofs and balconies, helps mop up excessive rainwa­ter, relieving the burden on the city’s drainage system, said the bureau.

Areas in Shanghai are prone to flooding during the summer rainy season, prompting authorities to explore new ways of han­dling runoff.


 

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